Varied heart treatments raise effectiveness questions

Article Abstract:

An article in the New England Journal of Medicine outlines two studies on cardiac care in different regions of the US. A Harvard Medical School study shows that although heart attack patients in Texas undergo cardiac catheterization more frequently, they are not better off than patients in New York, where there is a less frequent rate of catheterization. When adjusted for risk factors, the death rate was higher and quality of life indicators were lower. In a Cleveland Clinic Foundation study, rates of cardiac procedures varied widely from region to region, but did not predict patient outcomes.

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, Research and Testing Services, Heart & Cardiovascular R&D, Research, Cardiac patients, Harvard University. School of Medicine, Cardiovascular research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation

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Joint commission to require outcomes data reports

Article Abstract:

The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations issued new rules for compliance with standards about reporting outcomes and other data. This year hospitals and similar facilities must choose a performance-measurement system from the 60 used by the commission. Next year they must begin submitting data for the system they choose. Provider-sponsored organizations, health plans and other systems have similar new standards with options from several measuring systems.

Standards, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

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High court affirms judges' duty to junk dubious science

Article Abstract:

Defense attorneys and physicians are applauding a Supreme Court decision that emphasizes the role of trial judges in assuring that 'junk science' does not unfairly sway juries. The court's decision is expected to help keep mere speculation by expert witnesses from influencing juries. Critics charge, however, that the ruling will force judges to act as 'amateur scientists.'

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities, Rules of Evidence, Cases, Evidence (Law), Evidence, Expert, Expert evidence

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